Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals among California's Oaks

I am interested in the natural history of wherever I live. I recently returned to California, living in a new place that is filled with oak trees and their animal residents. One of the main actors is the acorn woodpecker, a harlequin colored, red headed woodpecker whose life style and behavior center around control of the granary of acorns the tree provides. The book describes behavior which I have seen but didn't understood, giving me a better understanding of the natural area in which I live. It is divided into fairly short chapters thoroughly describing 22 plants and animals in the woodland. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in natural history regardless of their home. The author writes well and discusses interesting habitats, behaviors, and lifestyles.

A fascinating and readable book describing the most important flora and fauna of the California oak woodlands and how they interact with each other. The author presents field observations and some scientific findings in an easy to read way including some amusing anecdotes. It is marred only by its unprofessional illustrations. I simply looked up images of the plants and animals described online as I read and all was well.

I love the way the author tells the stories of interrelationships of plants and animals of the oak woodlands. I'll never look at the manzanita in the same way in our yard again. Clearly written. Intriguing. Beautiful artwork. I consider this book an invaluable resource --and you don't have to live in California to value all that's within the covers.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. As a naturalist living in California, who loves to study and come to know the different species living around me, I often have to read dry, objectifying texts in order to gain knowledge about plants and animals. In this book, I get to learn about different species exactly the way I want to learn about them. The information is accurate and thorough, but also intimate and personal. We are not just given a list of characteristics and behaviors, but we have an opportunity to understand the gifts and quirks and personalities of each species the author talks about. The author introduces us to each species as if they are her friends... because they are! So we get to read true stories that make those otherwise dry facts into a living picture that is charming and alluring. The paintings are also exquisite. I only wish this author would write about 100 more species, so I could get to know them all this way.

What a delightful surprise! I bought "Secrets of the Oak Woodlands" because I'm an exuberant fan of Ann Maglinte's art and owner of one of her enchanting watercolors. Frankly, I didn't expect to be much of a fan of the narrative since my knowledge of woodlands would need a huge improvement to even qualify as primitive. I read a few pages, though, and quickly became engrossed by Kate Marianchild's writing style. I felt I was deep in a forest and learning intimate details of creatures and plants I've only ever seen at a distance, if at all.Honestly, it's quite astonishing to find yourself intrigued by what you learn about things that may have never particularly intrigued you before. If this is an area of interest for you, you're in for a state of bliss.And, yes, I keep smiling as I savor Ann's paintings of woodland plants and creatures. These two artistic ladies have magically converged to create a sweet treasure for us to enjoy and be surprised by. Leave it out where visitors can see it. They'll enjoy leafing through the book, and you can show off your newly acquired knowledge. Maybe they'll by a copy too!

Wonderful!

For those that want a beautiful book that teaches you about Oak Woodlands and the species that live there, along with gorgeous illustrations, this is the book for you. Kate is incredibly knowledgeable and makes the reading very enjoyable. Treat yourself or buy it as a gift. You'll be glad you did!

I work at a park with a small nature-themed gift shop, and someone sent a copy of this book in the hope that we would order copies to sell. I was given the job of writing a review for the bookstore buyer. From the moment that I opened the cover of the book, I hated putting it down to do other things. Kate Marianchild indeed knows the "secrets" of the oak woodlands intimately, and makes factual essays read like stories She has done her homework, uncovering astonishing information about plants, fungi, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, trees, birds, and their place in the oak woodland habitat--where the author lives also. I don't think you'd have to be a nature nerd to love this book. It makes your reading experience a pleasure. Do yourself--or some other reader--a great favor and buy this book. Anyone who knows the book and sees you carrying it around all the time will not have to ask why.